Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes national park is one of the top activities done in Rwanda. Gorilla trekking is a very exciting and educative activity especially if you are looking to see the endangered mountain gorillas.

Besides Volcanoes national park in Rwanda, mountain gorillas can also be found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, and Virunga National Park in Congo. These are the only places in the world where you will be able to see these majestic and rare gorilla subspecies.

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park.

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes national park is starts at Kinigi which are the park’s headquarters. You will need to report to the headquarters as early as 7am and proceed for a briefing from the head ranger at the park. Actual gorilla trekking in Rwanda begins at 8am in the morning.

How long does gorilla trekking take in Volcanoes National Park?

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda takes between 1 to 8 hours or more depending on the location of the gorillas. Gorillas are always on the move and can move further into the montane rainforests in search for food hence making it difficult for trekkers to locate a specific gorilla group/family. Once a gorilla group has been located, trekkers are given only an hour to spend with the gorillas.

How many gorilla groups exist in Volcanoes National Park?

There are 11 habituated gorilla groups/families in Volcanoes national park. Only 10 of these habituated gorilla groups are available for tourists to track. These include; Susa, Karisimbi, Sabyinyo, Agashya, Bwenge, Ugenda, Amahoro, Umubano, Kwitonda, and the Hirwa gorilla group which migrated to Mgahinga national park in Uganda. Revenue collected from tourists trekking the Hirwa family is equally shared between the Uganda and Rwanda governments.

How much is gorilla trekking in Rwanda?

In order to track gorillas in Volcanoes national park in Rwanda, you will need to buy a gorilla trekking permit which costs USD 1500 dollars per person. Rwanda has the highest price for gorilla trekking activities compared to its competitors Uganda (USD 700) and Congo (USD 400). Positioning herself as a luxury gorilla trekking destination on the tourism map has not stop lots of tourists from doing gorilla trekking in Rwanda.

How to book your gorilla trekking permit in Volcanoes National Park?

Gorilla trekking permits in Volcanoes national park can be booked directly from RDB (Rwanda Development Board) headquarters in Kigali or through the reservations office at the park. Alternatively, you can always go through a trusted tour operator company like Explore Rwanda Tours and book your gorilla trekking permit. This will save you’re a lot of time and frustration since the tour company can plan your entire trip and get your gorilla permit quickly. Visitors are always advised to book your gorilla trekking permit at least 6 months before your trip.

What to pack for your gorilla trekking safari to Volcanoes National Park.

Pack the following items when planning your gorilla trekking safari to Volcanoes national park; a pair of long trousers and shirts, elastic stockings which you can easily tack your trousers in, a water bottle, cap/hat, sunscreen cream and an insect repellent cream/spray, face mask, hand sanitizer, and a light rain coat or jacket. Don’t forget to carry along with you your camera and some extra batteries to capture those memorable encounters especially with the gorillas.

Accommodation Facilities in Volcanoes National Park.

When planning to do Gorilla trekking in Rwanda, it’s best you book your accommodation in either of the following places; Bisate Lodge, Virunga Lodge, Sabyinyo silverback Lodge, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Kinigi guesthouse, Mountain Gorilla View, Gorilla Volcanoes Lodge and One & Only Gorilla’s Nest.

How to get to Volcanoes National Park.

Volcanoes national park is located in the north-eastern part of Rwanda and can be accessed either by road or air. The national park is situated about 116 km from Kigali Airport which is about a 2½ hour drive till the park’s headquarters in Kinigi. The park is about 20 minutes away from Musanze town, which is the nearest town. Alternatively, you can charter a domestic flight from Kigali International Airport to Volcanoes national park using Akagera Aviation Company.

Rules and Regulations of Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park.

For every visitor doing gorilla trekking in Rwanda, you are briefed about your conduct while in the park, your gorilla trekking experience and how you should conduct yourself when you are amidst the gorillas. Here are some of the rules and regulations that you should follow on the day that you are planning to track gorillas in the park;

Every tourist must have acquired a gorilla trekking permit before visiting the park.
Gorilla Trekking can be done by adults 16 years and above.
Tourists can interact with gorillas for only an hour.
There is a maximum of 8 visitors per day per group.
No use of flashes in cameras when taking photos of gorillas as this can easily disorient them.
A safe distance of 7 meters should be maintained between the tourist and gorillas.
Only tourists who are healthy are permitted to trek gorillas so as to reduce chances of spreading diseases between the tourist and gorillas.
Tourists are advised to lower your voices when in the forest and when in close proximity to the gorillas.
Do not litter the park.
Do not eat, drink or smoke when in the presence of gorillas.
Limit unnecessary movement when with gorillas.
Do not spit when in the park as it may lead to transmission of diseases.
Always hid the advice given by your ranger given that they are experienced guides.